U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996

Ancient Indian Art Schools

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The Gandhara School of art is the synthesis of:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept Cultural contact between India and the Hellenistic world following Alexander's invasion led to a unique artistic school that applied Greek aesthetic standards to Indian religious subjects.

Explanation The Gandhara School is a synthesis of Indian and Greek (Greco-Roman) art. Flourishing under the Kushanas (Kanishka), it used Hellenistic features like curly hair and muscular depictions to portray the Buddha.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: The themes are purely Buddhist (Mahayana), but the execution (drapery, physiognomy) is Western.
Logic 2: It thrived in regions like Taxila, Peshawar, and Bamiyan from the 1st Century BCE to 4th Century CE.
Logic 3: Famous examples include the Bamiyan Buddhas and statues where Buddha resembles the Greek god Apollo.

Active Recall

Question

What is the primary visual characteristic of Gandhara Buddha statues?

Answer

They feature realistic muscularity, curly hair, and flowing drapery similar to a Greek toga.

Core Insight

Gandhara art is the physical manifestation of the first great 'Globalisation' of Indian culture through the Silk Road.